Chapter 2

Northumbria

The outside of the castle bustled with guests arriving. A carriage went through the gate and stopped. The guests inside were there to discuss a possible alliance between the two kingdoms. Kingdoms that were smaller than a much larger neighboring kingdom. A kingdom that was vying for more power.

King Charles sat next to his wife, whom he adored. She was considerably younger than him. His first wife died a few years prior while giving birth to his son who was still a child.

He was average height; his belly was round and so was his face. His wife was a delicate beauty with skin the color of sweet milk, her long black hair was in a braided bun pulled back off her face showing off her rosy cheeks. She was nearly the same age as his youngest daughter Winfred whom he was considering marrying off to Prince Oswald if things went well that night.

Queen Godgifu looked at her husband, “It seems that we have arrived.”

He smiled, “Yes, my love. We have.” He looked at his daughter whose face was sour. She hated the idea of being used to gain political power but it was the way of things. It was what her mother expressed to her many times as she was coming of age. “Smile for God’s sake,” King Charles said with authority.

She sighed, “I’ll smile when there is something to smile about,” she rebutted.

He huffed. Queen Godgifu touched his thigh as she spoke to her stepdaughter, “I heard that Prince Oswald is quite handsome. You two should have the most beautiful children.”

Her cousin reached for her hand, “I’ll gladly go with you wherever life takes you.”

Princess Winfred smiled, “Thank you, dear cousin. You are my one true friend.”

The carriage door opened, and a young man stood by at the ready, he helped the King out of the carriage, then the queen. His hand reached for Lady Darleen. She smiled as he helped her out. Her eyes locked with his for a moment and then he looked away.

He looked inside. His eyes danced across her skin. No woman had ever made his blood warm like her. Her eyes met his and her face softened. She loved to go on carriage rides. Especially the ones with him as the guide. Her hand touched his, his heart raced, Princess Winfred,” he said as he helped her out of the carriage.

“Thank you, Arledge. You are always so kind.”

He blushed. Queen Godgifu noticed, “That will be all Arledge. We shall see you after we’re done.”

“Yes Queen Godgifu,” he bowed and went back to the top of the carriage. The sound of the horses trotting away could be heard as they walked toward the entrance to be received by their hosts.

The moment had finally arrived. He was happy it wasn’t him. There were some perks to being the second son of a King. Prince Liam looked dashing. His blue eyes sparkled. A young man who was only nineteen years old with insanely good looks. His hair was light brown like his mother’s. He wore it short and tapered on the sides with the front slightly longer.

He left his room. His mother was passing by. She stopped to admire him, “Don’t you look so handsome. Once we are done securing a bride for Oswald, we should start prospecting for yours.”

“Mother please.”

“Don’t you want to find happiness, children?”

Liam shrugged, “Marriage doesn’t necessarily lead to happiness and children,” he sighed, “I plan to be a commander like Aethelbald. I do not wish to subject a family to the harsh life of wondering if I will die every time I go to battle.”

She touched his face, “Still, I think it would be a good idea. But for now, I’ll leave you be. Go and find your brother. King Charles is here with his wife and the Princess.”

Liam nodded, “Yes, mother.” He watched as she walked away in her beautiful green gown that swept the floor as she walked. He turned and found his way to his brother’s bedroom door. He tapped gently before walking inside. He saw his brother dressed in his finest attire, “Your future wife and in-laws have arrived.”

Oswald turned and eyed Liam, “Is she at least easy on the eyes?”

Liam shrugged, “I cannot say for certain for my eyes have not rested on her. But I’m sure she’s beautiful as many princesses are quite fair.”

“Fair. Yes. Pleasant and easy to get along with?” he responded with slight despair.

Liam chuckled, “I suppose we should hurry and you can begin your assessment.”

Waiting seemed like torture. Even though she had heard that Prince Oswald was handsome, there was still the fear of not knowing his temperament. Her older sister was married off to a tyrant of a man. She didn’t want that to be her fate.

The conversation in the room came to a halt when the sons of the king entered. Lady Darleen nudged her cousin, “It’s him,” she said to her in a whisper.

“Which one?” she asked with curiosity.

“Does it matter? I’d take either.”

Princess Winfred maintained her composure as the men approached accompanied by a bishop. King Oswald smiled, “King Charles and Queen Godgifu, I present to you my sons, Prince Oswald and Prince Liam.”

Prince Oswald shook King Charles’ hand, “It’s truly a pleasure,” he said before kissing the top of the Queen’s hand, “Queen Godgifu.”

Her heart fluttered. She smiled inside.

“It’s a pleasure to meet your sons. May I present to you Prince Oswald, my youngest daughter Princess Winfred?” said King Charles smiling as he showed off his beautiful daughter.

Prince Oswald took her hand, holding her in his gaze, “It’s indeed a pleasure to finally meet you, Princess Winfred,” slowly his lips pressed to the top of her hand.”

“I am also relieved to finally meet you. I hope to also speak with you at your convenience.”

“There will be plenty of time for conversations, let’s have Father Agyfen bless the meal and we can all nourish ourselves,” replied King Oswald.

They agreed that it was time to eat and drink. It was a long trip to the castle and they didn’t plan to leave until the next day. As everyone sat at the long rectangular table, Father Agyfen stood at the top of the room, “Christ our dear Lord and Savior, please bless this food. May it be nourishment to our bodies for the uplifting of your Holy kingdom. Amen”

“Amen,” everyone replied as they made the sign for the cross.

As dinner was being placed on the table, looks were made. Even though Princess Winfred was beautiful, there was something about the way Queen Godgifu looked at him which left him intrigued. The two Kings were deeply involved in matters of business.

King Charles said bluntly, “It’s no secret that my kingdom is smaller than yours but I’d like to think that we still have something important to offer.”

King Oswald nodded, “I see you as an important ally. Together our armies could defend our lands against a larger kingdom.”

“And, let’s not forget the impending threat of the Vikings that have raided a few lands not far from here. It’s only a matter of time before they set their sights elsewhere,” offered Bishop Agyfen.

“You are right, Father Agyfen. Those heathens kill without discrimination, rape our women, and desecrated our holy places with vile behavior,” said King Oswald.

“I heard from one of our slaves that has family near one of the first places that the Northmen raided, that they were the size of giants, that eyes were wild, and they could kill a man with their bare hands with very little effort,” said Darleen with amazement.

“Did she also say that these men could breathe fire, float on air, and withstand the sword’s edge without spilling a drop of blood?” Prince Oswald joked.

Queen Godgifu chuckled, “Please excuse our niece—”

“But it’s true. I’m only stating what I’ve heard.”

“Maybe there is some truth to what Lady Darleen has said,” said Prince Liam, “I would like to know more about these men. I’m sure a day will come when we will all have to defend our lands against these tyrants.”

“You’re right brother,” Prince Oswald said, “please Lady Darleen tell us more.”

She was about to but Queen Godgifu eyed her. Darleen sighed, “Perhaps later,” Darleen said to Liam.

“Prince Oswald, you and Princess Winfred should go for a walk and get to know each other better,” said Queen Godgifu. She was happy to stop Darleen from finishing that insane story that only grew with more details every time she recounted it.

He nodded, “That is a great idea.” He stood, “Princess Winfred would you accompany me for a walk around the castle?”

She nodded and then they went for a walk. Two sets of footsteps sounded as they strolled down a corridor and ended up in a library, “Do you enjoy reading?” he asked her.

“Yes, of course. Although, lately, I haven’t had much time to indulge in any good books.”

“Who do you read ... I mean, when you find the time?”

She smiled, “His name is Joaquin Andre Moreira Navarro.”

His head tilted, “That’s some name. Is he Spanish?”

“No, Portuguese.”

“You can read Portuguese?”

She chuckled, “You seem shocked.”

“More like intrigued.”

“My mother met him years ago in Rome. She became fascinated with his accounts of his many travels. He’s been to the lands in Africa, Spain, Ireland, and other places. I even heard that he married a woman from Africa.”

Prince Oswald smiled, “He sounds fascinating. I can only hope that a man such as myself with very little travel experience can hold your attention.”

She smiled and then chuckled, “Are you truly interested in holding my attention?”

“If you are to be my wife, I should want your attention.”

She nodded, “We don’t have to pretend Prince Oswald.”

His eyes focused on the seriousness of her expression as she spoke.

“Our fathers are doing what they think is best to maintain control over their lands which will one day become our lands. This alliance ... you and I marrying is a way to strengthen their forces. We are being used to further our fathers’ interests.”

“Are our fathers’ interests not our own?”

“They are indeed entwined.”

He stepped closer to her and stared into her eyes, “Then we understand what we must do?”

She nodded, “I will marry you. I shall be a good and dutiful wife. I will bear your children ... no more than three.”

He smiled, “That’s a good number.”

“I only ask that you respect me. Don’t embarrass me. I will protect what we have with my life.”

The idea of marriage was daunting at first but after speaking with Princess Winfred, things didn’t feel as heavy. Her eyes begged for a kiss. Just as he was about to lean in, he paused. His mind flashed to Abigale. “What is it?” The Princess asked.

He shook his head, “Nothing. I can’t wait to have you as my wife.” His lips touched hers. She smiled. It was her first kiss. There was a knock. The door opened. The two queens stood side-by-side, “It’s time for bed,” said Queen Godgifu to her stepdaughter.

Princess Winfred stepped away from her future husband, “Good night. I pray that God fills your mind with pleasant dreams.”

He smiled, “Good night, Princess.” He watched as she made her way to the door. His mother showed her the way. For a moment, Queen Godgifu stood in the doorway sizing him up. He didn’t know what to make of it.

“Good night, Prince Oswald.”

“Good night, Queen Godgifu.”

Everyone was tucked away in their quarters ready for slumber. Queen Godgifu lay next to her husband. “Do you still think we should ride to Winchester?” he asked.

“I spoke with Winfred; she seems to like Prince Oswald.”

“Like? Who cares if she likes him? I’m trying to do what’s best for my people.”

She sighed, “I know. But why ride all the way there? I heard King Edwin’s son is not as interested in women as he should be.”

He scoffed, “Still.” He shook his head. Decisions have to be made.” King Edwin’s kingdom was larger than both his and King Oswald’s. An alliance with a larger kingdom might prove to be better for him in the long run.

She rubbed his chest and slid on top of him. She felt him grow. Her hands touched it. She fed it into her center and he groaned. Soon her hips were in motion. He panted and grunted as he filled her center. She leaned over to kiss his mouth.

She rolled off him and lay back. She knew in moments; he’d be snoring so loud the walls would rattle. “Zzzzzzzz,” sounded as his chest rose and fell. With each passing second the sound grew louder. She poked him and he didn’t move.